Bub and Pop’s

Sandwiches are awesome but not worth the attitude from the crabby old woman at the register.
1. If your business is closed don’t have the front door open.
2. Should a «large» catering order REALLY take priority over physical customers that have walked to your business and are standing in front of you? Exactly. No. You’re making customers in front of you wait 20 minutes before even placing their order because you have a large order. Yeah, okay.
3. Is budgeting really so tight that you can’t spring for a pleasant, friendly cashier that isn’t mad at that world all day? There’s no greater turn-​off than a business that features, at the front counter, front and center, an angry, old, crabby woman that rules with a sledge hammer and an iron fist.
This isn’t Russia and TRUMP isn’t posted above your door, yet.
It’s an easy spell– CUSTOMER SERVICE. Move crab-​cakes to the back and present some pleasantries up front for the general public to experience.
I’m done.

Trying to take advantage of yet another snow day (Yes, we from the true north find it laughable that we are still not back to work yet but I digress), I decided to attempt a visit to Bub and Pop’s, which is only open until 4pm or 7pm depending on the day, making it hard to pay a visit under normal circumstances. I checked their Facebook page (where they also post their daily specials) to ensure they were open today since they were still unopperational the Monday after Snowzilla. After ensuring they were opening today, my friend and I made our way over there on the blue line (Farragut west stop which is not much farther than Farragut north– both just a few blocks from Bub and Pop’s) around 11:30, arriving slightly after 12.
Upon arrival, the line was already practically out the door, but don’t let that deter you, it moved fairly quickly. Although there are only a handful of tables in the place, many people do the carry-​out option so don’t fret if you can’t get a table right away as it clears out frequently. Despite the crowds, I never noticed anyone who wanted a table having to wait more than a couple of minutes for one to clear. Staff is super friendly and helpful! The man that brought out our food also pointed out menus you could look at while waiting in line so you would be ready to order when you made it to the front. At the front of the line, they had free samples of their home cooked kettle chips and French onion dip. They do have beer (HH 5 – 7 Thursday through Saturday), soda, and unsweetened iced tea (it’s DIY with simple syrup next to the container) in addition to water. The toppings bar has a variety of relishes and hot peppers.
On this visit, they had no soup or chicken Parmesan sandwich due to delivery issues because of the snow and their special of the day was a corned beef melt, described like a Reuben, with house cured corned beef. While that sounded tantalizing, I was sold once I saw the description of Pop’s Beef brisket sandwich! Brisket is one of my favorite meats, and I found the brisket on this sandwich to be flavorful, but perhaps a tad on the drier-than-I’d-like side. I really enjoyed the apple-​horseradish sauce, however, I felt that the amount on the sandwich was lacking. The aged Gouda was shaved on the sandwich and plentiful, although I don’t disagree with some of the comments that a more melted cheese would be more conducive to this sandwich and would be more absorbing of the veal jus. The veal jus was delicious but more of it ended up in the basket my sandwich came in than on the actual sandwich. My suggestion would be to have it served on the side so the sandwich can be dipped, because it made the bread really soggy and the sandwich fell apart quickly. Don’t get me wrong– the flavors here were tasty, but with some minor tweaks, I think this sandwich can go from great to amazing! My friend ordered the bolognese Parmesan– rustic tomato and meat ragout (meatballs, pork belly, and Italian sausage), arugula, carmeluzed onions, aged provolone and pecorino). He thoroughly enjoyed it and offered me a bite; and I concur– it was the best meatball style hoagie I’ve had the pleasure of trying. The bread used on his sandwich was thick and perfectly toasted. He ended up having to use a «knife and fork» method towards the end due to how messy it was, but hey, aren’t the best things in life typically messy? We decided to each get a half sandwich ($ 8 each) since the whole looked to be a food coma waiting to happen (trust me– it’s humongous!) and split an order of the homemade kettle cooked chips ($ 2). The chips come in a brown paper bag and are easily enough to be split amongst two. They were crisp and fresh and well worth it. I also ordered kosher dill pickles ($ 2). I thought it would be just one pickle spear, but was quite pleased to find a ramekin of fresh homemade pickles. I love, love, love pickles and these were a perfect way to top off the meal! They do have desserts (fried PBJ seemed to be a standout) too.
I’m happy I had the opportunity to visit here and will surely return again in the future when my schedule changes to be a bit more flexible in the coming months, if not before that. The atmosphere is very family-​oriented and be sure to check out the family pics on the wall! As many of you know, the owner’s son was killed in the Middle East right before Christmas, and it touched my heart that a table of three young men behind us went up to the owners’ and gave them an American flag and their condolences for their loss. That was really a sweet takeaway from this lovely family-​owned business in the heart of DuPont!

The Roast Pork with broccoli rabe was absolutely delicious. I couldn’t get over how much I enjoyed the sandwich (the chips are pretty good, as well). Really friendly staff and the interior of the shop has a ton of character. I’m just upset with myself for living in DC this long and only now just having a sandwich here!

After reading positive Unilocal reviews, my parents and I visited Bub and Pop’s with high expectations, but left the place extremely upset. We received absolutely terrible service from the vendor at the cashier. She seemed to be versed with the business, as she interrupted my order multiple times and greeted customers behind me, so I suppose that she is Bub or one of the longstanding employees/​managers. Throughout my whole order, she spoke to me in a condescending way as if she was frustrated that I was taking longer than regulars and rudely answered my questions by smirking and vehemently pointing at the menu (as if I can’t read, Miss). When I asked for a salad and Coke, she, at first, refused that they serve anything of that sort, and then pointed to the menu, again. Surprise, surprise. They do serve salad and soft drinks. What’s the point of confusing a first time customer? When I finally finished my grueling interaction with the cashier, she waved her hand backhandedly and shoo-​ed me away without giving me my change. I didn’t pay attention to how she handled everyone else’s orders, but if this a recurring thing, Bub and Pop’s most definitely need to reconsider their service and business mantra.
I understand that the employees recently experienced a family tragedy; however, it was unacceptable for them to treat any customer (coming from out of state and just looking forward to enjoying DC) in such a disrespectful manner. While their food was mediocre-​to-​satisfactory (bread was cold and salad was dripping with grease), I strongly would like to encourage them to realize their business not only entails food quality but also friendly customer service. Quite a disappointment for such a highly acclaimed family-​owned restaurant. Do not come here if you are a tourist.

Get the heck outta here with this small sandwich shop. I got the Jewish hoggie (large version obviously) and it was amazing. Beautiful corned beef and brisket with some seriously bomb cole slaw. It took me about 25 to wait and about 25 minutes to eat this monster but it was all so worth it in the end. They have pickles that go well with about any sandwich as well as a few relishes and sauces to pair with your meal. One of the best lunch choices in the DC area.

I had really high hopes for this place, but the Pop’s Beef Brisket I got… kind of disappointed both me (and my brother– who got the same). There was nothing wrong with the beef itself. it just seemed that we expected the cheese to be melted, and the sandwich should have been toasted and warm. and that’s definitely not what we got served. The veal jus made the bread soggy and fall apart and hard to eat.
I hope to revise this review later after I’ve been and sampled something else on their menu.

How do I even put into words the luxury of sandwich selections that are available at Bub and Pop’s? I’ll start by saying, this sandwich joint stays true to the hoogie, but with modern twists, and worth every. single. bite.
We ordered the Chicken Cheesesteak (no onions) and Bolognese Parmesan w/​some homemade iced tea. Both sandwiches were made to order, and came out piping hot with a cheese mountain that dripped in string melt goodness as you bit in or ripped the sandwich apart.
I ordered the ‘burning fire’ pickles before I knew there were sweet and hot peppers available at the prep/​juice station. We loaded all the toppings available on our sandwiches, which only took it up another level of food porn.
As for the tea, yes it is unsweetened, but they have a bottle of maple syrup to sweeten at your hearts desire whether it’s sweet and low or diabetic show levels. Your choice. I had no complaints, as the drink was just for me to wash down the fully loaded sandwich I was focused on.
If you’re in the area, stop by here for lunch. It’s small, but the line moves quickly, food doesn’t take forever to come out, and you might be able to grab a seat inside to take in the classic deli and family photos mounted on the wall of this famous family deli.

What an amazing sandwich shop! I had the bolognese parmesan and it was one of those sandwiches you never forget– so delicious, so much amazing flavor. I could eat one of these everyday. I was amazed at the atmosphere and the owner as well. The owner was so personable and you could tell how passionate she was for her business– place was extremely well kept. A true hole in the wall– Bub and Pop’s is the best!

An amazing hole-​in-​the-​wall spot bursting with a touch of family character.
A bustling little place just a few steps below the street with a few crowded tables and chairs and a long line leading to the back counter where you can peak into the kitchen and watch it all come together. Greeted by a straightforward courteous smile ready to efficiently answer your questions and get you on your way. Simple classic sandwich choices sans frills and nonsense.
Worth every minute waited and every stuffed bite.
A local spot that is a great stop before hitting the roof deck for a picnic.
I have returned again and again.

After reading the reviews I decided to walk the 3 ½ blocks over to Bub and Pop’s to check it out. First off, it looks great inside. It is not only spotless, but it also has that well maintained vibe you get when the owner really cares about their business. I loved the bright and cheery ambiance. The owner (I don’t recall her name) who helped me at the register was kind and very patient answering all my questions while ordering. The huge pile of sample chips and dip was a bonus to the ordering experience. While I could have easily eaten several bags of their chips (they were fantastic, thin and extremely crisp) I was a man with a plan.
I had my mind set on the Bolognese Parmesan sandwich, and it sure didn’t disappoint. I only ended up getting the half sandwich, but it was plenty. It was absolutely packed with the best Italian sausage I have had since living in Upstate NY. While a more seasoned customer could have surely downed it with only their hands, I, a simple novice, was forced to dig in with a fork until it was a more manageable size. I am not exactly a light eater, but I can’t imagine trying to tackle a whole sub during lunch, there surely wouldn’t be much work getting done afterwords. And I absolutely wouldn’t have had room for the delicious bread pudding I got for the road.
I love the menu and I look forward to my next trip there to try something different (although it will be tough not ordering that bolo parm again.) I especially look forward to trying a different variety of their pickles. I had gotten the good old fashioned dill, and they were quite good. The best I have had, outside of my wife’s homemade dills, in quite some time.

I love me an Italian sub, and this shop’s doesn’t disappoint. It’s the only one of their subs that I’ve tried, and it is very tasty! The meats are delicious and the generous amount of cheese shredded on top is sooo good. I only removed 1 star because the bread was very hard the last time I went. I got the sandwich to go and by the time I started to eat it at work the bread was sooo hard I couldn’t actually eat the sandwich in its sandwich form. I had to take out most of the meat because the bread cracked into two pieces. If the bread was better I would give this place 5 stars. The rest of the sandwich is good enough for 4 stars, though.

Sandwich was fantastic. Probably the best chicken parm I’ve ever had.
On the other hand, the proprietor of the place, who was working the cash register, was fairly rude. I understand it’s a stressful atmosphere to work in, but it’s a basic customer service principle: You do NOT hound people for tips, especially when you don’t even have a wait staff. After I signed my check for my PICK-​UP order, and put zero on the tip section of the receipt, she said to me «Are you kidding me, for all of this?!» As if swiping my card to overcharge me a couple sandwiches was that much of a hassle.

I went to Bub and Pop’s for a sandwich (takeout). We were kindly greeted after entering. The menu has a list of different subs. I ordered a steak & cheese (beef, Aged Provolone, Fried Onions, sweet peppers, & special sauce) and kettle cooked potato chips. Bub and Pop’s steak & cheese was very tasty. Everything blended well together with Bub and Pops special sauce. A half sub was filling. Bub and Pop’s kettle potato chips with homemade French onion dip is delicious. The dip is flavorful! I had a fried peanut butter & jelly sandwich (PB & J dipped in funnel cake batter with a side of Crème Anglaise) for dessert. Ohh Myy Sweetness, B&P fried PB&J is delicious. I could have eaten 5 of those sandwiches. Service was fast and polite. The restaurant is small and seating fills up fast. Parking can be a hassle depending on time and day. Bub and Pop’s is a good choice for sandwiches in DC. I give Bub and Pop’s a 4.5 rating.

I arrived maybe a half hour after opening and it wasn’t too crowded– but definitely getting there.
The specials are on the chalk board on the wall but the full menu is on a fold out. I didn’t bother going for the full menu because it seemed like the Italian was a must. There were a few ingredients I wouldn’t normally want on my sandwich, such as the pickled relish and mayo because I figured I had to get the full experience. I got a half Italian and a bag of kettle cooked chips.
Good thing I only got the half, because for me, it was huge! There was plenty of meat on the sandwich. I would say more meat than bread. I could only eat half of it and saved the rest for later.
The service was great, the owners seemed very nice. I would say it is a little pricey, my half sandwich was 8 or 8.99 I believe but it was definitely a great quality sandwich.

Bub and Pop’s is unpretentious, underground, and unique. It’s got a lovely mom and pop feel, aided by Arlene’s dependable warmth and kindly attention at the register. Homemade kettle chips, pickles, relishes, and other pimiento-​type dips certainly add to this bustling lunch spot’s charm. Though the shop has Philly roots, everything about the place and its menu feels local and DC. Sandwiches range from the vegetarian Bulgarian feta to the monstrous Jewish hoagie and Italian hoagie. They’ve got brisket, fried fish occasionally, bolognese, and eggplant parm. This shop has something for everyone, and you’re not going to find any bland boring dinky sandwiches. These guys got some heft to em!
My favorite is the Italian hoagie. Not only are there a gazillion different cured meats, but the chili relish, Parmesan shavings, tomato, oil and vinegar, and arugula give the sandwich a fresh zippy kick that round out the most perfect sandwich consumption experience. You won’t find a bigger badder Italian sub anywhere else in this city.
Also, a half sandwich is one serving. Get a full sammich and you’re probably good for lunch and dinner.

Update: went here for today for lunch and the Bolognese Parmesan was DELICIOUS. It was a waaaaay better choice than the Real Obama. Just some words of advice: don’t bring this sub back to the office because it’s quite messy…
Looking forward to trying more of their selections!

When I travel, I usually check Unilocal*for a good meal nearby. Bub & Pop’s is a perfect example of the successful Unilocal find!
We just flew in from Chicago and needed a meal nearby. They offered «The Obama way» Italian Beef sandwich! This caught my eye, but as any Chicago beef lover knows, don’t order a beef out of town. I am sure it’s good to the DC crowd, but I didn’t want that as my first taste. I went for the Bub’s Italian Sub.
This is a fantastic sandwich! Great bread, spicy pepperoni, salami etc. with fresh greens, tomatoes and topped with tasty shredded provolone. I ordered the full size and should have gone half; but I did my best to finish it!
I had a nice chat with the owner to get a little background of the place. She was very nice and I wish her and her son (the chef) the best! I will be back for more (maybe the Obama, but probably another Bub’s sub)

After reading the Unilocal reviews, I knew right away that I was ordering the Italian hoagie. Since my boyfriend wanted to try the Italian hoagie in addition to his hoagie, I ordered the whole Italian hoagie for $ 14. The Italian hoagie was simply delicious. I couldn’t believe how fresh the arugula and tomatoes tasted. The only downside about eating this sandwich was the mess it created, due to the amount of Romano cheese piled high. My boyfriend ordered the Jewish hoagie for $ 9. He really enjoyed the hoagie. I even took a bite and enjoyed it myself. In addition to the hoagies, we ordered the kettle cooked potato chips for $ 2. The kettle cooked potato chips had a nice flavor of salt and pepper and they were so addicting!
It was great to see the owner & her son working inside the restaurant. The owner was busy taking orders at the cash register. The son was busy making the sandwiches and other things.
There are two small reasons why I took away 1 star. The first reason is because the sandwiches are pricey. A 6″ hoagie is about $ 9 while a 12″ hoagie is about $ 14. The second reason is because there isn’t much seating/​space inside the restaurant. My boyfriend & I came during lunch hour on a Monday afternoon, and we had to stand around with the food in our hands until a seat was available.
But overall — the food was delicious, the staff was friendly, the prices are pricey.

3.5 stars
Had some time to kill during my staycation in DC before checking into my hotel, so I decided to try out Bub and Pop’s since I’ve had it bookmarked on Unilocal for quite some time.
It’s a small little shop located in Dupont. The menu is pretty extensive and it took me some time to decide what to order since they all sounded so good! I made the decision to go with The Real Obama (half size for $ 8) — this sandwich consisted of Italian beef, braised brisket, provolone, & giardiniera. I also added some broccoli rabe for $ 1.
I ordered to eat there and it came out pretty quick! I was honestly surprised by how huge the sandwich was! It came loaded with the toppings. But maybe a bit toooo much giardiniera as it seemed to overpower the sandwich. I would’ve liked to be able to have the meat be the star. Also, even though I ate it there… the bread became way too soggy midway through my meal. I ended up just grabbing a fork and eating the meat & veggies without the bread. It would’ve been great if the bread was toasted! Overall, the meat itself tasted great and did have flavor to it, but it was hidden under all those pickled veggies.
I wouldn’t mind coming here again though and trying out more sandwiches!

Guys. I had a $ 20 sandwich today. I know, I know. Before I get flamed for being a bougie Downtown worker luncher — read my review.
I had heard rave reviews about this place and knew I had to come. Of course my eyes were moved to their special menu which included a Rob Lynch. Just imagine this: mozzarella sticks, meatballs, roast beef, pork, probably 20 other types of amazing meat, and marinara sauce in an amazing toasted whole sub. Drooooolllll. Although, I must say I initially regretted ordering such an expensive sandwich as I was waiting. But all doubt was instantly erased from my mind as I had the first bite of my sandwich. I devoured the beast in like 10 minutes, it was that good.
They also have this ridiculous sandwich challenge where you have to finish their signature sandwich in 15 minutes and you get your face on the wall — or else you pay them $ 50. Hmm… Praise the Lord that this is like a block from my office. I’m going to get fat.